Officers from Wells Police Station are investigating a number of unexplained seal deaths which have taken place in the Blakeney, Morston and Wells area for some months.

Work has been carried out in conjunction with other partner agencies including the National Trust, The Marine Management Organisation, the RSPCA, Natural England, National Wildlife Crime Unit, Eastern Sea Fisheries, the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (through DEFRA) and the Norfolk Wildlife Trust to discover the source of the incidents.

Two seals have been the subject of post mortem examinations by two different organisations but results have not yet been received.

The animals, a mixture of both grey and common seals, have all suffered laceration type injuries which are believed to have eventually proved fatal.

Inspector Mike Brown, who is leading the investigations, commented on the incidents saying “The seals have suffered awful injuries which we believe are the probable cause of death and there is no indication that these were caused by disease or any type of predator.

“We have been working closely with Seal Boat operators and local fisherman but we would like to hear from anyone else who may have information regarding these occurrences.”

Claire Graves from The National Trust, said, “The National Trust team on the north Norfolk coast works hard to protect the wildlife here, making sure people have access to enjoy it without endangering it.

"Our team of staff and volunteers monitor the seal population closely and are deeply distressed by and concerned about these seal deaths. We are working closely with Wells Police, and partner organisations, doing everything we can to help resolve the situation.”

Anyone with information regarding the incidents should contact Inspector Brown at Fakenham Police Station on 0845 456 4567.